It's trout-fishing time at Bane Park

Published 3:06 pm, Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Fishing enthusiasts wet a line for last year's release of rainbow trout at Burroughs Park in Tomball.

Fishing enthusiasts wet a line for last year's release of rainbow trout at Burroughs Park in Tomball.

Photo: Jerry Baker, Freelance

It's trout-fishing time at Bane Park

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It's almost trout-fishing time in north Harris County.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department will stock the lakes at two Harris County Precinct 4 facilities - Bane Park and Burroughs Park - each with approximately 2,000 rainbow trout on Friday, Jan. 18.

"It is a wonderful partnership we have with Texas Parks and Wildlife," Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle said, adding that the trout fishing is consistently popular with the public.

"One of the things we notice is the fish get fished," he said. "Some get consumed by the bass at Bane Park, but most get fished out before the weather gets warm."

The program creates an affordable opportunity for families to spend time together outdoors, Cagle added.

"What defines more of a family moment than going out, dropping a fishing line with your son or daughter and spending that quality time together?" he said.

This program is supported by the sales of Texas freshwater fishing licenses and a 50-percent match by Harris County Precinct 4.

"The stocking provides people the opportunity to fish for fish they wouldn't normally encounter in Texas water," said Michael Homer Jr., a natural resources specialist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's inland fisheries division.

Trout normally prefer cold, fast-flowing waters, he said.

"They are extremely pretty and very vibrant in color," he said. "These fish are easy to catch, and they're very tasty."

This program also gets people excited about fishing, Homer continued, which in turn benefits local economies. Anglers spend money on lure and gear and often support local restaurants. And the money they spend on fishing licenses helps support the state's natural resource management, Homer said.

Fishing is free at Bane Park and Burroughs Park, but those age 17 and older must purchase a Texas fishing license with a freshwater stamp endorsement.

Anglers can purchase the license at most sporting goods stores. A Texas driver's license is required. Anglers also can buy a fishing license by calling the Texas Parks & Wildlife credit-card license sales line at 800-TX LIC 4 U (800-895-4248).

Bane Park, 9600 W. Little York in Houston, is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Burroughs Park, 9738 Hufsmith Road in Tomball, is open 7 a.m. to dark daily. There is a daily bag limit of five trout per angler and no minimum length limits.